The document outlines seven strategies to positively influence others in leadership situations, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and effective communication. Key strategies include assessing the situation, communicating clearly, sharing structured processes, using logical data, and addressing objections transparently. By making a few adjustments in approach, individuals can significantly enhance their influence and drive positive outcomes in group dynamics.

1. 7 Ways to Positively Influence Others
Leadership Strategies
with Hilary Potts
2018 © The HAP Group, All Rights Reserved

2. How can you build agreement and win-win solutions
when people see things from different perspectives?
Influencing is a critical skill in today’s environment
where we must work with many people to do our job.

3. Challenge #1
No Positional Power
No one really likes to be
‘bossed’ around. You may
think you have positional
power, but this approach can
cause resistance and
resentment which impedes
results.

4. Challenge #2
Ambiguity
What seems like a simple task
proves to be complicated.
Each person, team, or
department has their own
approach. It can be hard to
come up with any synergies
and common themes.

5. Challenge #3
Not Listening and
Working Your Own
Agenda
You may feel pressure to
get things done and push
your own agenda. By
ignoring other’s input, you
miss opportunities to find
the best solution. Be
adaptable and open to new
ideas.

6. Here are 7 Ways to
Positively Influence
Others….

7. 1. Assess the Situation
Understand and assess the
current situation.
Agree on …
• What you’re trying to solve?
• Why is it important?
• What success looks like?

8. 2. Communicate with Clarity
Our communication is for others,
not ourselves. Recognize what
you say and how you say it
conveys powerful messages.
Tactfully express your views and
get your point across in ways
people can understand and
‘want’ to participate.

9. 3. Share the Process
While some people may want
a free flowing conversation,
it’s important to agree on a
structure and process to
keep things moving ahead.

10. 4. Provide Logic
Work with facts and use
data relevant to the project
you’re working to guide
discussions into a logical
format.

11. 5. Explain the Impact
Assess the impact the decisions
will have on the business,
customers & organization.
Involve subject matter experts to
provide insights. Ask leaders to
assess how easy or hard it will be
to implement the solutions.

12. 6. Listen to and Handle Objections
Handle objections head-on with
transparency and authenticity.
Make your thinking and that of
others visible to help overcome
the objections and concerns.
Address people’s questions to
gain agreement so people can
take action.

13. 7. Agree on Clear Next Steps
To keep things moving, be sure
to lay out mutually agreed upon
next steps and plans.
Check in with team members to
make sure they have what they
need to do their work.

14. Influence to Positive Action
You may be amazed how a few simple adjustments in your
approach can have a positive influence on the situation.

15. Looking for More Ideas
www.HilaryPotts.com/Resources.html
Download the
Leader Change
Toolkit Now…

16. Inside the Toolkit You’ll Find…
www.HilaryPotts.com/Resources.html
• Ways to Prepare to Lead a Strategic Change
• 5 Keys to Leading Change
• Change Leader Behaviors to Lead Your Next
Strategic Initiative

17. For more information contact:
Hilary Potts
The HAP Group
www.hilarypotts.com
info@hapgrp.com
© The HAP Group, All Rights Reserved